New workshop engineered for top quality service

Situated next to the Methven town boundary at 77 Line Road, general engineer, farm agricultural repairer and custom fabricators, Humm Engineering is now located under a huge, purpose built, high spec, future proofed workshop. This is the culmination of a year-long project, and the vision of local engineer Guyon Humm. WORDS BY RACHAEL RICKARD

Proudly rolling up the doors on the 5th of January 2021, Guyon, wife and business partner, Rebekah are now operating in the 1600sq metre workshop, a space that is not only safer, but allows for more efficiency, a larger inventory, new tools and machinery, and ensures the capacity to meet the engineering requirements of their customers. Guyon grew up on a farm in Mount Somers. He learned his foundation engineering skills on the farm and from his father. He said “after I completed my trade and then 20 years employed in engineering and agricultural contracting, in 2016 I took a leap and started on my own with an on-call engineering truck. It wasn’t long before demand outgrew the truck, and I needed a workshop. Then a bigger one, then today we have an even bigger one. I’m lucky to have been supported by my family, customers and being able to recruit a team with great skills with the same high standards as I do.” Rebekah has a complimentary skill set to Guyon. Her background in office administration ensures the management of the business is run smoothly. “About eight years ago we moved to Methven and since then I was fortunate to gain employment in a very busy local agricultural contracting company, where I learned from my employer all the skills and disciplines of running a successful business. Both Guyon and I have had great support and mentorship from our previous employers” she said.

ABOVE: Guyon and Rebekah Humm MAIN IMAGE: Chris Doig, Nic Ewart, Andrew Keeley, Mark Spicer, Guyon Humm

There are five engineers at Humm Engineering. Andrew Keeley, 2IC, is highly skilled with over 30 years’ experience, Chris Doig is a specialist fitter and turner and Mark Spicer, who has a background in sheet metal craft, stainless work and TIG welding. Apprentice, Nic Ewart, is one year into his training and grew up on a station at Alford Forest, plus Guyon, make up the team. The workshop is equipped with modern specialist precision machining tools including lathe and turret mill. They also have a panbrake sheet metal bender, plate roller, plasma, and gas cutting service. Humm’s certified staff offer steel welding, aluminium welding, custom fabrication, and specialist machining along with purpose-built pivot rut filler for hire. The inventory, which includes fasteners, every kind of bolt (imperial and metric), common parts, fittings for implements, sheet metal, linchpins, and agricultural bearings the scale will make it easier for repair work, and quicker for locals who are undertaking their own repair work. Humm Engineering have also secured partnerships with BARE-Co, the largest manufacturer and wholesale distributor of pattern agricultural tractor parts in the southern hemisphere and hose and fitting specialists Hydraulink Mid Canterbury with parts and a press onsite at the new workshop. Building took an effort from the whole team with Guyon using his skills to hands-on build the new workshop, while concurrently operating from the old premises. Last years’ Lockdown in April and May slowed the project considerably. “We were able to get the concrete slab down, then we went home, with Guyon continuing to work and support any essential business. Once business returned to normal Guyon recommenced building and shaping the huge steel frames and bracing. The building has come together with the skills, help and support of local builder, Dan Gill and the team at DG Construction” Rebekah said. Guyon and Rebekah acknowledge both their families support, which enabled them to expand their business, and the wider Methven community. “We’re here for the long game and so we want to get it right for our customers and continue to meet their needs” said Guyon. If it’s a bolt, pin, length of steel, machinery repair, help with a one-off custom job, or a call-out service, get in touch with the team at Humm Engineering.